03/14/1983 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. e e Mr. To1 and repl i ed that all arts groups woul d say bravo to that but are eager to get on wi th it. Ms. Johnston said that process may take too long. She said short-term decisions must be made on how the HCPA and the EAF and the arts groups wi 11 integrate their programs and decision-making to let this industry survive for the next two years. Mr. Toland added that if after a year, a cultural plan is left but no viable performing arts organizations are left, a problem is posed. He urged immediate discussion of long-term stability. ~ls. Schue observed that the problem is that the community has a wonderful dream but no money with which to do what had been hoped. She said it is necessary to be realistic about what arts groups want from the City. She said the City does not have money either. Mr. Toland appreciated Ms. Schue's candor and said he would like to give an answer but does not have one either. He asked her what the City expects from the arts groups. He said there must be a system of reciprocity. Mr. Toland said the rate of growth cannot go on and asked what the community wanted. Ms. Schue replied the City wants the arts groups to be there. Mr. Toland said the City should give advice, guidance, and in turn, arts groups want to work with the City in developing a cultural plan. He asked how the arts are made a matter of public policy. That answer can only be found together. Ms. L. Smith encouraged City Council to consider that Ashland has proved coor- dination between the city government and the cultural community is beneficial. She stated that an industry 1 ooki ng at a pl ace to locate woul d prefer a community that supports art and culture rather than a community that brings touring groups in at the whim of a promoter. Ms. Smith said what the City gives to arts groups is an investment because the money comes back in tourist dollars and community dollars from the reputation the community develops. Mr. Chase stressed that di al ogue is important and the time frame is critical. He is not concerned about maintaining the level of professionalism achieved if a mandate to cornerstone the HCPA exists. The decision to maintain a professional level must be made now. Mr. Chase emphasized that fiscal responsibility must be demonstrated. The core of performers who live here is a good investment. Mr. Anderson stated that all people attending this meeting have a hand in the dilemma. All must work on it together. All groups were helpful in getting the HCPA established. He said he does not foresee that a cultural plan will answer the problem. What must be done is to get a representative of the core here and determine how the problem will be worked out. Mr. Anderson said a task force is not needed, nor is a cultural plan. What is needed is this group attending this meeti ng. Financing operati on of the HCPA and operati ng the performi ng arts groups will take real commitment and bartering and tugging. MINUTES--Eugene City Council March 14, 1983 Page 6